Waldemme small hydro power plant, Switzerland

The Waldemme power plant is located in central Switzerland in the Lucerne region. The new water intake with its associated vertical slot pass was built next to an existing check dam. Special attention had to be paid to an ideal embedment in the existing narrow space conditions on site, which were particularly influenced by an existing gas pipeline.

The water conveyance system consists of coupled GRP pressure pipes and is completely buried. It is embedded in agricultural land in the left bank area between the riverbed and the gas pipeline.

The powerhouse is located upstream of the ecologically valuable Lammschlucht gorge. It contains an Ossberger cross-flow turbine type, a spur gear and a generator with a rated speed of 1000 rpm as well as various other control devices.

As environmental rehabilitation measures, two block ramps were constructed upstream of the water intake to restore continuity for fish migration.

AFRY's comprehensive design services

The project was coordinated using the VDC|BIM method. The client, designers, suppliers and contractors developed the structures in close collaboration using 3D models and optimized and coordinated the project. Many detailed issues were resolved on the digital model, which significantly reduced problems during execution.

The execution was also completely model-based with BIM2field.

We carried out design work in all other fields for the following phases:

• SIA 22 Feasibility Study
• SIA 31 Basic Design
• SIA 32 Detailed Design
• SIA 33 Construction Permission Phase
• SIA 41 Tendering
• SIA 51 Construction Design
• SIA 52 Site Supervision
• SIA 53 Commissioning.